(Not really) hilarious eBay story
MarsAttacks
Posts: 279 ✭✭✭
Hello gents. Hope those of you that I had a chance to meet and chat with at the National are getting back into the swing of things at home. Only 350 days until Cleveland!
Had a couple interesting eBay happenings a few days ago that I thought I would share, illustrating how nice it is to hold cards in hand (whenever possible), and deal with people who actually care about service delivery.
I bought some packs of "Minions" trading cards for my 2 year old, who is enamored with them, and upon receiving, realized that the package had 2 packs, instead of the purchased 6 packs. I sent a message to the seller, who immediately responded with apologies, and offered to send 6 more packs, with the 2 we mistakenly received as a "gift" for the inconvenience. Total purchase price was about $15.
Same evening, I noticed a card I've been looking for, listed for nearly 5 figures. The scans weren't great, especially one of the corners that I wanted to take a look at, so I emailed the seller. Following is the exchange -
Me - "Hello - I am interested in buying this card. Can you please take close-up photos, including of all 4 corners, and send to me, so I can make a purchasing decision?"
Seller - "These are the best pics that are available"
Me - "Thanks for your very prompt reply - Is it possible to add the zoom feature to the photos on eBay so I can have a better look? If not, do you have a mobile phone that you can take photos and text to me? I am a serious buyer and am very interested in buying this card, but would really like to get a closer look prior to spending $10k. Thanks so much!"
Seller - "You can enlarge the picture on your IPhone"
Me - "Thanks. I have enlarged the photos on my iPhone and unfortunately, am not able to get a good enough look as the photo becomes distorted as its enlarged. The card is also at a slight tilt in the posted photo, which makes it exceptionally difficult to see the left side. What I'd really like to better understand is what the lower left corner looks like, along with the bottom edge (front and back). This is a significant purchase. I really do want the card and can assure you I am not wasting your time. Can you please help me with some additional information? Thanks"
Seller - "This is a great card comparable to a PSA 8 of this same year that I recently sold. The corners of this card are not gem mint but solid. If you have any reservations or additional questions please do not buy it. It's OK because it will sell within a few days because there are 2 others considering it."
Card is still available, so I guess the "others considering it" must have reconsidered, or had questions and were advised not to buy. I did find a scan on VCP, from the auction where it was previously purchased, and got a good look at the corner that was not clearly visible in the listing, predictably frayed.
Comments
I have a few things listed on eBay right now and dealing with people on there whether you are the buyer or the seller is no day at the beach. I have been lowballed on a very nice 53 Mays with a bid of half of VCP, low balled on a Judge, but did sell a CJ. I was going to list a nice Mantle this weekend on eBay but don't think that is going to happen - all I am going to get is a bunch of lowball offers and buyers who will want to pay $500 for a $10k+ card.
BTW I did pull some Topps Chrome Bellinger cards last night Mr Dodger
Last Mantle i put up sold in an hour at asking price . It was nice, however low grade. Mantles do sell and sell real quick. just add the auto decline at what you don't want to be bothered with.
I have good luck with the auto decline/accept features for selling at best offer. I don't be bothered with low-ball offers and seems like most people if they hit in my auto accept zone, pay right then too so I get a quick payment.
Solid method
Appreciate the info and yes I do have the auto decline feature on. On one of them I forget to do it and one snuck in.
KC
So the buyer of his cards is supposed to have an iphone.
I would be out of luck.
I wonder if I could mail him my flip phone,(non internet enabled), have him take several close
up pictures, and then mail my phone back to me.
Make sure you don't send the 8-track tape with the phone, lol..
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
I get this stuff all the time on ebay from sellers. Was buying a particular rookie that was a parallel numbered to 75. I own 26 of them at the time and have paid an average of $5-$6 each for them. Guy had one listed for $15 obo, so despite the fact it was higher than I normally pay, I offered him $8 (Since I will never offer less than 50% and will never counteroffer if I receive an offer for less than 50% on something I sell.) He responded with a counter of $12, saying he sells them all day long for $11....he still has it and this was 5 months ago.